Royal Berkshire Hospital is currently in the progress of upgrading their energy infrastructure to achieve a 25% reduction in our carbon footprint by 2015. The project involves installing a gas powered Combined Heat and Power plant (CHP) which will generate nearly two megawatts of electricity whilst using its waste heat to generate steam and contribute in heating Centre, Maternity and South Blocks. The project is being delivered by Dalkia and the CHP is planned to be operational in April 2013.

During the construction of the new CHP energy services from the existing equipment is being maintained to keep the hospital ‘firing on all cylinders’. At the beginning of November, the old 1979 built steam boiler was decommissioned and removed from site making way for the new engine and heat recovery boiler to be delivered next month.

In addition to upgrading the boiler house energy plant, the project includes the lighting refurbishment scheme. To date 850 new high-performance light fittings have been replaced providing savings to the Trust of £16,000 per year.

“A wonderful local carbon reduction business case to be proud of and should be rolled out”

The Reading Borough Council has decided on our long-term ambitions and endeavors in a vision for Reading: Vision 2020-50. The vision aims to bring about a vibrant, humane, creative city in 2020, where people are happy and can make their own life choices.

In the vision, Reading is a vibrant city environment with compact, functional developed areas. There are good communications to shopping and services, workplaces and the surrounding nature. Buildings and infrastructure are characterised by sustainable energy solutions and smart environmental design, and are adapted to future climate change. The city has clean rivers and watercourses, and plenty of parks that are both beautiful and safe.

Through hundreds of different building projects and investments in service and care, Reading will develop into a world-class city. Everything we do – from planning new residential areas to developing schools and elderly care – is based on our shared vision.

Be transparent. Do not talk only about your successes. Even if you have succeeded in a project, do not forget to comment on even the less successful, as that is where we can learn the most.

Release emotions: Use rational and evidence-based arguments, they bite better.

Be action-oriented! Focus on how employees can contribute and find solutions to your problems, rather than on what they can-not do. Challenge your employees, customers and suppliers to come up with new solutions and implement them if they have economic viability.

Avoid one-way communication in the form of glossy internal publications or written messages from management. Dialogue and two-way communication creates better conditions for engagement.

Ensure that all employees understand the organisation’s sustainability goals and how they can help you reach them. Set specific goals that are linked to each employee’s job, preferably with a bonus on top of achieving the objectives.

The organisation’s sustainability strategy must be authentic and objectives must be linked to core business because you really will boost sustainability and creating a commitment across the board. Have the CEO and leadership team on board; ensure that they communicate sustainability in everything they do, not only in the weekly internal communication but also with key financial figures and strategic decisions. It sends out strong signals in the organisation.

Give sustainability status. You can do this by, for example to create a network of sustainability ambassadors, an elite club where you have to have completed certain courses or in any way contributed to qualify. It increases the status of the matter internally.

Acting instead of just talking! It is important to avoid both cynicisms as to enable you to reach your goals.

Idling is something that costs money and causes unnecessary emissions. Idling is often prohibited or regulated in urban areas. By avoiding running the engine at idling speed, a motorist can save money and avoid unnecessary environmental impact.

Do not idle
• One minute of idling requires more fuel than restarting the engine.
• Ten minutes of idling requires 1.3 dl (0.13 l) fuel.
• The idling of a cold engine is an unnecessary emission of toxic fumes.

According to estimates from the Transport Administration running your engine on idle unnecessarily will increase your motoring costs by up to £100 annually. Besides the monetary cost, the car running idle out causes unnecessary emissions.

The exhaust gases that are emitted are the most toxic when the engine is newly started and cold. Scrape the windows before you start the car. Also make sure that there are no children around the car when the engine is idling. Children are more sensitive to fumes and because they are shorter, they are also closer to the exhaust pipe #footprintgallery

(In Stockholm, local health protection regulations mean that you can´t run the car engine on idle for more than a minute. The only exception to this is for vehicles that need to keep the engine running to operate a plant, such as garbage trucks.)

Idling

4 §
The legislation concerning the running of the engine of a stationary vehicle that is outside for more than a minute does not apply: if
O Traffic conditions cause vehicles to stay in a traffic queue
O The engine is kept running to the extent required for the vehicle’s efficient use, or to power plant other than those related to heating. The best technology from an environmental and health protection should be used.

An immediately idling ban, however, is required for vehicles stopped at a bridge opening.

Violation can result in a fine
If a violation of the one minute rule for idling is noted, the incident can be reported to the police. The matter is then investigated by a public prosecutor. Conviction can result in a fine. If you see someone running the car engine at idle for more than a minute, you can report this to the police by phone XXY XY.

Five years ago, the last report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change painted a gloomy picture of our planet’s future. As climate scientists gather evidence for the next report, due in 2014, Michael Le Page gives seven reasons why things are looking even grimmer

16/11/2012
The role that new low carbon technologies can play in helping the UK meet its targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving towards a green economy have been highlighted today with the publication of three in-depth reports into core areas of innovation..

Professor Nigel Arnell (Walker Institute for Climate System Research / University of Reading), engaged us at the Reading Climate Change Strategy Consultation Launch to understand more about our Changing Climate

The Institute´s research aims to understand and improve predictions of the risks and opportunities from our changing climate and you can see a selection of our research here.

We offer to you a channel where members of TVBLEP, The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group and enterprises can discuss and take part in a Business lead and driven agenda to adapt Climate Change Strategy for the Reading area.

With only 4 weeks until ending of the RBC consultations we decided to set up a LinkedIn conference group based on to provide an arena for feedback of views to the new Reading Climate Change Partnership Strategy.

We have set up this LinkedIn conference group TVB_ClimateChallenge piggy backing RCCP:s Draft Climate Change Strategy for Reading 2013-2020 to assess “best practices” initiatives for carbon footprint reduction, meeting local needs in the Thames Valley. This not only represents excellent opportunities for business – but also a chance for the Thames Valley to lead the field and influence in national sustainable policies. We invite your invitation and participation and wish for your support of the TVB_ClimateChallenge.

We see the importance of a business forum for input from all members of businesses and SME: s in the Thames Valley Berkshire since the Climate Change Strategy will affect us all for coming generations, which is one good reason why we suggest that TVB should have this green agenda as well, – Green business networking in the Clean-tech area with feedback of views to the new Climate Change Strategy for Reading and Berkshire, 2013 to 2020.

It’s an excellent opportunity for the businesses to embrace knowledge and bring value to the region by presenting wise green solutions / advise in companion ship with the local council regarding investments and taxes. Maybe also Reading / Thames Valley Berkshire Climate Development can become an EcoGameMaker for green jobs.

Rather than waiting for legislation. Think about what impact businesses and local government can make together meeting and exceeding set carbon targets.